Pittwater Orthodontics

Patient Information

Emergency Care

I’m getting a space between my teeth

Occasionally a small space may appear where there was no space before. This may be due to the tipping position of the teeth. This space will more than likely be closed at your next appointment.

One of the coloured rings (modules) has come off my braces

The colours can occasionally come off. This is not a problem, we will replace it at your next appointment.

I’m getting ulcers

Ulcers may appear when you have braces. Use the wax as instructed until the ulcer goes away. Warm salt water rinses may also help.

Food keeps getting caught between my teeth

This is not an emergency, but can be a little uncomfortable or embarrassing. It is easily fixed with a piece of dental floss or an interproximal brush to dislodge food caught between teeth and braces. Brushing your teeth may also help.

My gums are growing up over my braces (brackets)?

This may be due from a lack of brushing. Extra care must be taken with brushing whilst wearing braces. You should be able to feel your toothbrush touching your gums when brushing. Please ask us if you need help or have any concerns with this.

I can’t remember how to wear my elastics

Review the diagram given to you, and if you are still unsure, call our office to arrange an appointment to see us.

I don’t have any elastics left

Please call us and we can make some arrangements for you to collect some more or we can send some to you in the mail.

My forsus spring has broken

If something has broken from your springs, move it to somewhere where it is comfortable for you. Please call our office to schedule an appointment.

My forsus springs have come apart

The springs are made up from 2 parts. A push rod and a spring. The pushrod is joined to the lower braces or plate, and the spring to the upper braces or plate. The pushrod goes inside the spring. This may come apart from opening your mouth too wide when yawning or laughing. To place them back together, open your mouth wide again and place the bottom pushrod into the spring. Please contact our office if you need some assistance.

How often do I clean my retainer

You need to clean your retainer every time you take it out of your mouth. You can use your toothbrush and toothpaste or just water. Once a month we recommend that you use a retainer cleaner called retainer brite. We sell this at our practice.

I have lost my plate/retainer

If you have lost your retainer or it doesn’t fit, you need to contact us immediately. We will advise you on your options

My teeth feel loose

As teeth move, they can become loose. This is normal. They will become firm once the movement has been completed.

Will my teeth move I don’t wear my retainer

Yes they will. You need to initially wear your removable retainers full time for the first 6 months after your braces are taken off, then night time wear for as long as you want your teeth to stay straight. Unfortunately teeth are constantly moving, therefore retainers are very important.

My teeth feel sore and my braces hurt

If the braces are newly fitted or has been recently adjusted, the teeth can feel rather tender - especially when you try to bite or chew. This is quite normal for about five days after fitting or adjusting and if needs be, the same sort of pain relief medication can be taken as used for headaches. Pain which is more severe than this or more persistent is not usual and you should contact us if this is the case. We will arrange to see you as soon as possible and you should continue with pain relief but always observe the instructions on the packet.

What happens if something breaks

In the unlikely event that a bracket or band comes loose from a tooth, it is important to call our office. Do not wait until your next appointment to see if we can fix it then. It can take a considerable amount of time to repair breakages and we need to schedule accordingly. Please notify us in advance if something breaks, even if the breakage occurs earlier in the day of your appointment.

Remember, when braces are broken, treatment completion is often delayed. Help us give you the smile you want — on time.

I have swallowed something from my braces

If a piece of the appliance it is swallowed, usually the conservative approach is taken and the piece is allowed to pass naturally. Please let us know so we can give some advice.

Very rarely, a piece of the appliance can be aspirated (caught in the airway). If the patient is coughing excessively or having difficulty breathing, the piece could have been aspirated. When this happens, it can be fairly alarming to the patient. Encourage the patient to remain calm.

If you are able to see the piece, you may carefully attempt to remove it. But do not make the attempt if you would cause harm.

A band is loose

If a band becomes loose, it will move up and down on the tooth. Contact our office to schedule an extra appointment to have the band re glued.

The wire is sticking out

Occasionally the end of a wire will work itself out of place and irritate the patients mouth. Patients can use the relief wax for comfort. Patients may also want to try and move the wire to a more comfortable position. The orthodontist should be notified of the problem.

The wax won’t stick

Make sure the area that you are trying to put the wax on is very dry. You can use a tissue or cotton bud to help. If you are still having trouble, you can carefully chew some sugar free gum, and place it where you need to.